What social media is not telling you about US deportations

In the last several weeks, Arabic-language social media in the US has seen a rise in frightening and inaccurate information about immigration laws. This information has caused fear and confusion among green card holders and international students. Some are fearful of being deported or losing their legal status and others have even asked whether they have a future in the country. These fears, as understandable as they are, are often based on misinformation.
But here is the truth: the law in the US does not allow the government to deport someone just because they voice a political opinion or attend a peaceful protest. Freedom of speech is a core American value that the law protects.
At the same time, there are clear legal and moral aspects. Being a guest in the US entails some responsibilities. Freedom of speech is not protected to support certain specified terrorist groups, to harm others or to engage in a crime. And one may be arrested, deported or even barred from ever returning for engaging in such activities. This matter is not so much about shutting someone up as about following the law and safeguarding others.
The First Amendment protects everyone on American soil, including immigrants, from punishment for peaceful speech. That includes criticizing the government, expressing views on foreign conflicts and attending rallies. But the line is drawn at violence, incitement and illegal acts.
“You have the right to speak your mind in America,” said a spokesperson from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. “But that right does not include vandalism, threats or supporting terrorism.” According to the Department of Homeland Security, "individuals who commit crimes while in the US on temporary visas, such as vandalism, assault or trespassing, may face removal proceedings. The law is clear that legal status comes with the expectation of lawful conduct.”
This means that students or green card holders who break the law by damaging property, intimidating individuals or supporting designated foreign terrorist organizations can be deported, not because of their opinions but because of their actions.
A student visa is not a blank check to do whatever one wants. It is a privilege. It means the US government has trusted someone enough to allow them to reside in the country temporarily, to study and grow. But with that trust comes responsibility. No country would tolerate a guest standing in the street and shouting, “Death to the country.” Freedom of speech is protected, yes, but no one should expect to stay welcome in any country while cheering for its destruction or supporting those who attack its people.
This is especially serious when it involves support, verbal or material, for groups labeled as terrorist organizations. Groups like Hamas, Al-Qaeda and Daesh are not just controversial; they are responsible for killing civilians, including Americans. American law makes it a crime to give material support to such groups, even through fundraising or online promotion. Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson once said: “There is a difference between expressing sympathy and providing support. The latter is a crime under federal law.”

The law in the US does not allow the government to deport someone just because they voice a political opinion.

Dalia Al-Aqidi

Recent campus protests have crossed the line of legality and some international students have been arrested for occupying buildings, destruction of property and intimidation. In one case, F-1 visa students took over a university building and barricaded the entrance, upon which police were called and immigration authorities were alerted. What began as a protest became a criminal matter.
Even lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can be removed from the country if they commit serious crimes or violate immigration law. The list of deportable offenses include fraud, assault, drug trafficking and terrorism-related activity.
“Green card status is not a shield against consequences,” said a statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “Permanent residents who break the law may still face removal depending on the offense.” That does not mean that attending a protest or sharing their frustration online puts someone at risk. However, if political activity crosses into criminal territory, the legal protections start to fall away.
US citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, cannot be deported. That is a firm line in the law. Citizenship brings full legal rights and no one can be removed from the country unless they are found to have lied or committed fraud in the naturalization process.
Online rumors claiming that citizens can be stripped of their status for speaking out about Palestine or criticizing the government are false. Citizenship is permanent and protected, as per the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Individuals from countries with oppressive regimes might not always believe governments are telling the truth. That is understandable. However, in the US, individuals have rights and the law provides ways of protecting them. That also implies knowing what the law permits and prohibits.
It is simple math: peaceful protest is protected, but harassment, threats and intimidation are not.
Online opinions are protected. However, openly advocating for terrorist groups is not.
Protests against policy are protected, but trespassing in buildings or damaging property is unlawful.
Social media posts may claim that students are being deported simply for protesting but, in reality, arrests have been made for offenses like trespassing or assault. It is essential to look beyond the headlines and understand the full context of what occurred.
Everyone in the country, whether a visitor on a visa or a citizen, has a role to play in maintaining peace, respecting others and using their voice with care. There is room for strong opinions, heartfelt protests and difficult conversations. However, there must also be respect for the law, the community and the country that has offered them a place to live and grow.
Social media and technology are now a significant part of everyday life, altering how people obtain news and express their opinions. With that power, however, comes responsibility. It is essential to be careful about what is posted and shared online. Misinformation spreads quickly, especially when it resonates with fear or uncertainty, creating public panic.
Platforms like TikTok, X and others are filled with opinions, but not everything seen there is accurate or trustworthy. People must take a moment to question what they read, check the source and avoid letting misinformation drive fear or division.

• Dalia Al-Aqidi is executive director at the American Center for Counter Extremism.